My updated information on collection I have for the upcoming independent research project - CIRCULATED SILVER & GOLD COINS IN THE NORTHERN MALAY STATES CIRCA 1600 UNTIL 1957.

CIRCULATED SILVER & GOLD COINS IN THE NORTHERN MALAY STATES (1600 UNTIL 1957)

Welcome to Aleph Coin Blog (Circulated Silver & Gold Coins in The Northern Malay States - Kedah, Perlis & Penang - Circa 1600 until 1957). This blog will preview my current collection or new information of coins that will later be added into my on-going project (that I am doing independently, due to my interest in History and Numismatic). I might be adding information of other coin and banknote that I came across. I am looking forward and much appreciated if someone can come to give information, sharing knowledge, sample of coins into making this project a reality. I also receive support from Dr Ibrahim Baker (a medical doctor, who has so much interest in Malay coins) and Dr Mahani Musa (expert in Penang's history, USM lecturer). Should you have information to relay, don't hesitate to contact me at msah83@gmail.com - Together, we work to preserving our history...

Thursday, 6 September 2012

Born in Madrid Oct 12th, 1785. He was the King of Spain from 1808 to 1833.

Spanish Real

Thereal(meaning: "royal", plural:reales) was a unit of currency in Spain for several centuries after the mid-14th century, but changed in value relative to other units introduced. In 1864, the real was replaced by a new Spanish escudo, then by the peseta in 1868, when a real came to mean a quarter of a peseta.

The first real was introduced by King Pedro I of Castile in the mid 1300's at a value of 3 maravedíes. This rate of exchange increased until 1497, when the real, now issued in billon, was fixed at a value of 34 maravedíes. The famous "piece of eight" (peso de a ocho), also known as the Spanish dollar, was issued that same year as a trade coin. It later became widespread in America and Asia. In 1566, the gold escudo was introduced, worth 16 silver reales. The "piece of eight" was so-called because the denomination was divided into eight silver reales (8 reales = 1 silver peso). In addition to the "piece of eight," which was a one-ounce silver coin, other coins based on it were issued: 4 reales, 2 reales, 1 real and the little (half-inch diameter) half real.